Nov 18, 2018
Oman National Day 2018
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle depicts the white, green and red flag of Oman in honor of National Day, a major public holiday that gives citizens of this sultanate on the Southeastern Coast of the Persian Gulf an opportunity to celebrate their history and culture.
After more than a century of Portuguese rule, Omani forces secured the country’s independence in 1650. National Day precedes the November 18 birthday of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, the 8th descendant of the founder of the Al Bu Sa'id dynasty. This two-day holiday is one of the most festive times of the year, marked in the capital city of Muscat by parades, fireworks, camel races, and horse shows. The culture of Oman is rich, with over 130 distinct forms of traditional music. In many city centers musical troupes in traditional garb will play instruments from different regions of Oman, sometimes accompanied by dancing.
Many Omanis spend this extended break from work and school traveling from larger cities to visit friends and family in their home villages to enjoy sweet Omani halwa and coffee as well as a spirit of togetherness and national pride.
Happy National Day, Oman!
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